MEP Engineering
MEP design and coordination for residential and commercial projects in Dubai. DEWA, DM, and Civil Defence compliant.
What We Offer
MEP systems account for 25 to 40 percent of a building's construction cost. They run through every floor plate, ceiling void, and riser — and when they're poorly coordinated, they cause clashes, rework, and delays that far exceed their share of the budget.
At MERKA, MEP engineering is integrated with structural and architectural design from the start. Our engineers size systems, route distribution networks, and resolve spatial conflicts before construction begins — not during it. We handle HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
HVAC Design
We carry out cooling and heating load calculations using ASHRAE methodology and size systems to match the actual thermal demands of each space. Equipment selection, duct routing, and diffuser placement are coordinated with ceiling heights, structural beams, and lighting layouts to avoid the ceiling void conflicts that commonly stall projects during construction.
For residential projects, we typically design split and VRF systems. For commercial and hospitality projects, we work with chilled water plants and air handling units, including district cooling connections where required. All HVAC designs account for Dubai Green Building Regulations and energy performance requirements for Dubai Municipality submission.
Electrical Design
Our electrical scope covers power distribution, lighting design, low-current systems, and fire alarm layouts. We produce single-line diagrams, panel schedules, load calculations, cable sizing, and lighting calculations — formatted for DEWA submission and approval.
We coordinate electrical infrastructure with architectural layouts early in the design process to establish riser positions, distribution board locations, and generator room sizing before they become coordination problems. EV charging infrastructure and solar PV provisions are included where project requirements or authority regulations demand them.
Plumbing & Drainage
We design water supply, drainage, and sewerage systems to UAE plumbing codes. Scope includes riser diagrams, fixture layouts, pipe sizing, pump selection, and tank calculations. For projects pursuing LEED or Estidama certification, we incorporate grey water recycling, condensate recovery, and low-flow fixture specifications into the design.
Drainage slope verification and vent stack sizing are handled during design development — not left to the contractor to figure out on site.
Fire Protection
Fire protection design includes sprinkler systems, fire hydrant networks, hose reel layouts, and fire suppression systems for kitchens and server rooms. All fire protection drawings are prepared for Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) pre-approval, with equipment schedules and hydraulic calculations included in the submission package.
We coordinate fire alarm zoning, detector placement, and voice evacuation layouts with the electrical and HVAC designs to ensure there are no coverage gaps or false alarm triggers from duct-mounted detectors in wrong positions.
MEP Coordination & BIM
We produce MEP coordination drawings in Revit and run clash detection through Navisworks before issuing construction documents. The goal is to resolve conflicts between ductwork, cable trays, piping, and structural elements at the model stage — where a fix costs a revision, not a site instruction.
Coordination drawings include ceiling void sections, riser details, and maintenance access clearances so that facility management teams can actually service equipment after handover.
Authority Submissions
MEP projects in Dubai require approvals from multiple authorities, each with different submission formats and review criteria. We prepare and manage submissions for DEWA (electrical load schedules, single-line diagrams, and connection applications), Dubai Municipality (HVAC and plumbing drawings, green building compliance), and Dubai Civil Defence (fire alarm, sprinkler, and suppression system drawings).
We track review comments, coordinate responses, and resubmit until approvals are obtained — keeping the project team informed at each stage.
Residential Projects
Villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings across Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Al Furjan, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Tilal Al Ghaf, Jumeirah Village Circle, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island. Typical scope covers full MEP design from concept through construction drawings, with DEWA and authority submission packages.
Commercial & Office Projects
Office towers, retail podiums, and mixed-use developments in Business Bay, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, JLT, Barsha Heights, and Abu Dhabi's Reem Island. We handle high-density electrical loads, central HVAC plants, BMS integration, and the multi-authority submission process that commercial projects require.
Hospitality & Fit-Out
MEP design for hotel renovations, restaurant fit-outs, and retail spaces — including HVAC modifications within tight ceiling voids, kitchen exhaust and fresh air systems, and electrical load assessments for new tenant requirements. We coordinate with interior designers to preserve ceiling heights and architectural intent while fitting all services into the available space.
Industrial & Warehousing
MEP services for warehouse and industrial facilities in JAFZA, DIP, DWC, and KIZAD. Scope includes ventilation and exhaust design for large-volume spaces, high-bay lighting layouts, industrial power distribution, and fire protection systems sized for the occupancy and storage classifications of each facility.
We design to ASHRAE 90.1, Dubai Green Building Regulations, NFPA standards for fire protection, and DEWA technical requirements. All submissions are prepared in accordance with Dubai Municipality MEP Technical Guidelines, Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC), and UAE Civil Defence regulations.
Key Features
Benefits
Our Process
Requirements & Load Assessment
Review architectural layouts, occupancy types, and authority requirements. Establish cooling loads, electrical demand, water supply needs, and fire protection classifications.
Concept MEP Design
Preliminary system selection, equipment sizing, and spatial allocation for risers, plant rooms, and ceiling voids. Coordination with structural grids and architectural intent.
Detailed Design & Calculations
Full HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection calculations. Equipment schedules, pipe and duct sizing, and energy performance analysis for green building compliance.
MEP Coordination & Clash Detection
Revit modelling of all MEP systems with Navisworks clash detection. Resolve conflicts between disciplines and confirm maintenance access clearances.
Authority Submissions
Prepare and submit packages to DEWA, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Civil Defence. Manage reviewer comments and resubmissions through to approval.
Construction Support
Shop drawing reviews, RFI responses, material submittal checks, and site inspections. Revised instructions issued when site conditions differ from design assumptions.
Ready to Start?
Let's discuss how our architectural services can bring your vision to life while ensuring full compliance with Dubai's regulations.
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